The Symbols of Europe (.pdf English) - Dr. Peter Diem

The Symbols of EuropeHistoryMeaningChancesPeter Diem,August 2004http://peter-diem.at1

The Functions of Political Symbols• InformationJust like trademarks, logos, or other symbols of“corporate identity“, political symbols tell „in a nutshell“what kind of „product“ one is confronted with• IdentityFlags, anthems and national holidays have kepttheir function to create a feeling of “belonging“• IntegrationNational symbols help to unite a nation, especiallywhen it is composed of various races and religions.• InternationalInternational symbols intend to promotepeace and cooperation between races,cultures, and nations.e pluribus unum2

The Olympic RingsThe rings were created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin (founder of the modernOlympic Movement) in 1913 . In a white field, they symbolize peaceful contestamong the five major regions of the world: the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe,and Australia. Coubertin never said that the colours of the rings were linkedwith the five continents, but more often than not they are interpreted in thismanner.The Olympic Flag made its debut at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp –hence it is also referred to as the „Antwerp Flag“.3

After the Cataclysm of World War I –a Nobleman‘s Vision„Paneuropa“Richard N. Count Coudenhove-KalergiBook published in 1923 by (1894-1972).The Paneuropa Movement had its central office in Vienna‘s Hofburg until 1938.4

Interpretations of the Paneuropa SymbolThe sun symbol is possibly also connected to C-K‘s Japanese mother and to buddhism5

The League of NationsFounded in 1920, at first no emblem could be agreed uponIn a 1929/30 contest 1640 proposals were submitted, but nofirst prize was granted. The above designs came second.League of Nations Covenant6

The League of Nations at New York 1939The League of Nations was unable to agree on a commonsymbol. Only in 1939, the flag shown above was used for ashort period in New York. It contains these typical elements:the colors blue and white (for peace), the five-pointed star (forfreedom and brotherhood), and the pentagram (symbolizinghappiness and pointing to the five continents).7

The Flag of the United NationsUnlike the League of Nations, the UN sought from the very beginning toagree on a common symbol. It was published by the General Assemblyon 20th October, 1947http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/maplib/flag.html8

Description of the UN FlagThe United Nations emblem was first approved on 7 December 1946.The design is "a map of the world representing an azimuthal equidistantprojection centred on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting ofcrossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree, in gold on a field ofsmoke-blue with all water areas in white. The projection of the mapextends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles".Olive branches symbolize peace. The world map depicts the area of concernto the United Nations in achieving its main purpose, peace and security.http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/maplib/flag.html9

Europe after World War IIDuncan Sandys10

The Council of Europe 1950Council of Europe11

The Council of Europe 1955Council of Europe12

The Council of Europe 1955“Since its foundation in 1949, the Council of Europe has been aware of the need togive Europe a symbol with which its inhabitants can identify. On 25 October 1955 theParliamentary Assembly made the unanimous decision to adopt a circle of gold starson a blue background as an emblem. On 8 December 1955 the Committee ofMinisters adopted this as the European flag.”„Against the blue sky of the Western world, the stars represent the peoples of Europein a circle, the symbol of unity. Their number shall be invariably set at twelve, thesymbol of completeness and perfection ... just like the twelve signs of the zodiacrepresent the whole universe, the twelve gold stars stand for all peoples of Europe –including those who cannot as yet take part in building up Europe in unity and peace.“Council of Europe13

11th April, 1983:The European Parliament accepts the flag asthe official emblem of the European UnionThe correct proportion is 2:3 as presented abovehttp://www.europa.eu.int/abc/symbols/emblem/index_en.htm14

Symbolic elements – „Old“ International OrganisationsColours: White, light blue, goldForms: Map, circle(s), five-pointed star(s)Number: 5 continentsPrototype: Olive branch, Olympic circlesSymbolic elements – European UnionColours: cobalt blue, goldForms: circle, five-pointed starsNumber: 12 perfection, completenessPrototype: blue and gold, stars and circlesSymbolismGreen = youth, ecology, general hope for a better worldLight blue = sea, sky remote hope for peaceDark blue = security, order realistic hope for peaceGold stars = brotherhood; Sun = empire)Connection of stars with Apocalypse 12,1 is a myth.http://www.europa.eu.int/abc/symbols/emblem/index_en.htm15

The European AnthemThe European Anthem (Ode to Joy) - adapted from the finalmovement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - was adopted by theCouncil of Europe in 1972 and has been used by the EuropeanUnion since 1986. Herbert von Karajan, one of the greatestconductors of this century, acceded to a request by theCouncil of Europe to write three instrumental arrangements forsolo piano, wind and symphonic orchestras. It was recorded atTeatro da Trindade - Lisboa – 1994:Play or download anthem16

A Predecessor of the EuropeanAnthemOne might remember the „fanfare“ used by the EuropeanBroadcasting Union (EBU) to introduce and concludeEuropean sports transmissions, the New Year‘s Concert,the Eurosong Contest etc.This very well known tune was taken from the „Te Deum“of the French composer of baroque music, Marc-AntoineCharpentier (1643-1704). It was introduced by the EBU in1950.17

Die Europahymne auf DeutschUnser Herz schlägt für EuropaUnd wir stehen dafür ein,Dass dem Erdteil es gelinge,In der Vielfalt eins zu sein.Ewig währen in EuropaFriede und Gerechtigkeit,Und die Freiheit seiner VölkerSei verbrieft auf alle Zeit.Blühe, Vaterland Europa,Bringt das große Werk voran!Sternengold im blauen Banner,Dieses Zeichen führt uns an.Peter Diem, Wien10. Oktober 200418

The European Anthem in EnglishUnity has come to Europe,Unity is here to stay.Unity is our future –Long live Europe, come what may!North and south will work togetherJust as friends and neighbours should.East and West will grow together –Brotherhood and sisterhood!Europe, may your peoples flourish,Let the common banner rise!Stars of gold and blue of sky/:Are the colours that we prize.Peter Diem (Vienna)19

The European Anthem in LatinEST EUROPA NUNC UNITAET UNITA MANEAT;UNA IN DIVERSITATEPACEM MUNDI AUGEAT.SEMPER REGANT IN EUROPAFIDES ET IUSTITIAET LIBERTAS POPULORUMIN MAIORE PATRIA.CIVES, FLOREAT EUROPA,OPUS MAGNUM VOCAT VOS.STELLAE SIGNA SUNT IN CAELOAUREAE, QUI IUNGANT NOS.Authors: Peter Roland and Peter Diem Cf.: http://www.hymnus-europae.at20

On 5th May 1949, the Council of Europe was founded.For many years, this day was commemorated bymember parliaments as „Day of Europe“.During their Milan Summit in June 1985, EU leadersdecided to choose the 9th of May as "Europe Day“.On 9th May 1950, the Schuman Plan was presentedin Paris. This occasion is considered to be the startingpoint of the process of European unification.Europe Day21

European Licence PlatesCf: some licence plates from Europe22

The Euro - a Tangible Symbol of UnityIn contrast to abstract symbols, the Euro isa tangible proof of European unity –economically and psychologically,especially when travelling through Europe –and even beyond the borders of the EU.Unlike the totally „supranational“ banknotes, the Euro coins are„European“ only on one side whereas the reverse has beenreserved to bear national design.This has been interpreted as a bad compromise – but respectingnational sovereignty of the mint can also be seen as anexpression of a federalist concept of the European Union:„in pluribus unum“ vs. „e pluribus unum“The Euro Website23

The Euro BanknotesDesigned by the Austrian artist Robert Kalina the Euro banknotesshow two sets of symbols with similar connotations:Window/Door – as the symbols of openness, freshnessand the invitation to joinThe Bridge – as the symbol of connecting opposites,overcoming difficulties, and uniting peopleReferring to the cultural traditions of Europe, seven periods of artand architecture are being quoted: Classical, Romanesque,Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Industrial, ContemporaryThe Euro Website24

The Euro Sign and CoinsThe common side of the coins was designed by Luc Luycx of the RoyalBelgian Mint. It depicts a map of the European Union against abackground of parallel lines linking the 12 stars of the European Union flag.The national side of the Euro used in Greece shows Európe beingabducted to Crete by25

Conclusions• Use of the symbols of Europe is part of the efforts to enhancethe (emotional) acceptance of the idea of European unity.• What adult education can do :- inform the public about the meaning of the EU symbols- fly your national flag always together with the European flag- open official meetings with national and European anthems- print flag or „European“ logo on conference papers- put „European“ links on your Web site- commemorate the 9th of May with some „European“ initiative- „europeanize“ your national holiday ( „neigbourhood day“)- invite (your) Members of the European Parliament (MEP)- organize a contest to find lyrics to the European Anthem- fight against all national stereotypes and prejudices26

Long live Europe!http://peter-diem.at27